A patient is exposed a second time to an antigen and subsequently seeks medical attention with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, chills, malaise, and a cough that may be productive of purulent sputum. What is the most likely cause of this pathology?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Initial exposure to the antigen ramps up the immune system. Subsequent exposure to the antigen results in the hypersensitivity response. Patients with acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis usually present to medical attention with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, chills, malaise, and a cough that may be productive of purulent sputum.

A Patient Is Exposed a Second Time to an Antigen